16,000 stranded as Greece and Turkey tour firm folds

Thousands of British holidaymakers are hastily trying to rearrange their travel plans after a tour operator collapsed.

Around 16,000 tourists were abroad when Greece and Turkey specialist Goldtrail went into administration, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed.

An estimated 2,000 UK customers were due to travel with the budget holiday company this weekend as the summer holiday season gets underway.

Authorities sought to reassure holidaymakers that they could claim back money lost on bookings while alternative flights and accommodation were also available.

The CAA said it was making arrangements to fly customers home at the end of their holiday under its ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licensing) scheme. But no outbound Goldtrail flights were running from UK airports and people planning to set off on holiday were advised to check first, it added.

In a statement issued on its website, the aviation regulator said: "The CAA has taken steps to protect customers booked with Goldtrail Travel Ltd after the company ceased trading this evening.

"Goldtrail Travel Ltd, trading as Goldtrail Holidays, Goldtrail Travel and Sunmar, held ATOL licence 4684 and was based in New Malden, Surrey. It operated flights and holiday packages from many UK airports to Turkey and Greece. It sold mainly through travel agents.

"The CAA, under its ATOL scheme, is making arrangements for customers abroad to travel home at the end of their holidays."

The majority of flights home from Turkey will operate as normal, the CAA said.